Victor “Vic” Vacek was recently inducted into the Houston Apartment Association’s 2023 Hall of Fame at the Industry Achievement Luncheon & Annual Meeting. Vic was honored for his longtime commitment to Houston Apartment Association “HAA” and Commercial Real Estate which spans more than 50 years. 

Mr. Vacek began his involvement with HAA and Commercial Real Estate while attending the University of Houston in 1969. He was hired as a maintenance man by Fred Welling, with Wellco, who guided him into the apartment industry. Along with Mr. Welling, Ron Scharck of Timberline Properties served as mentors. Others who made an early impact were Wyndham Smith, with Vantage, who hired Vic as a Commercial Property Manager in 1975; and Tim Meyers, with Allied Orion, who encouraged his involvement with HAA and networking with board members in 1994. Vacek states “I am grateful for each of these mentors for proper guidance and encouraging me to take initiative and follow roles in organizations that helped advance my career.” 

Vic learned a strong work ethic as a child where he was reared by his parents on a dairy farm in Colorado Country, near Weimar, Texas along with his two sisters. Except for his formative years and his time serving in the military, all his years have been spent in Houston, Texas. 

After working for and with his mentors, Vic Vacek and wife, Diane, decided it was time to take the risk of opening their own business. Central Management, Inc. was formed in 1978, and continues to satisfy their new and long-term clients. 

Central Management, Inc. is a boutique commercial real estate firm providing full-service expertise in property management, development, brokerage, leasing, facility management, consulting, property rehabilitation, and construction coordination to their clients. The firm was awarded the prestigious AMO® accreditation in 1984, signifying CMI’s observed commitment to financial responsibility, reliability, integrity, and professional competence. Across the United States, Canada, China and Japan, there are over 500 AMO® firms that meet the most stringent requirements necessary to qualify for this accreditation. Attaining this accreditation was one of Vacek’s career highlights. 

CMI is a professional real estate leasing and asset management firm for the real estate investor who wants to maximize profits and maintain a depreciable asset for long-term appreciation. Professional management is the key necessary to reach the ultimate economic goal of an investment property. 

Given the growing trend of international real estate firms, CMI offers a refreshing and valuable approach to property management. Houston owned and operated with 45 years of consistent leadership, CMI provides rapid and responsive attention to owner and tenant needs. Since inception, CMI has managed more than 1 billion square feet of property including office buildings, retail centers, industrial sites, multi-family complexes, RV parks, medical facilities, government institutions, and non-profit organizations. 

Relationships form the basis of effective management, and CMI’s commitment to this principle is evidenced by 35 years of uninterrupted management of Diho Plaza, one of Houston’s premier Chinatown landmarks. CMI has several other management relationships nearing 30 years, including Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, Center for Hearing and Speech, and Hollyview Apartments. 

When asked if there was a secret to his success, Vic said, “I hope it’s not a secret and I attribute my success first to God, then family, and God-given talents. I know believing in and honoring the LORD has directed me to successful projects. Having the support of my wife, Diane, and my family has propelled my success. One of my gifts is being personable. I like people and enjoy working with people at all levels. A strong work ethic and enjoying hard work contributes to each project’s success. It’s a bonus to have long-term devoted employees, several of whom have been with me for over 30 years.” 

In selecting Vacek for the HAA Hall of Fame, HAA states, “Vic Vacek, Jr. is not only deserving of the HAA Award but his hard work and commitment to this industry speaks louder than any award could.” HAA went on to say that anyone who has crossed paths with Vacek in this industry would identify him as a role model. 

At this time in his career, Victor Vacek is involved with the daily operations of Central Management, Inc. and CMI Brokerage. He is known for being a hands-on manager, a hard worker, and a great communicator with property owners as well as tenants and vendors. Vic is still very active in Commercial Real Estate organizations including HAA and IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) and serves on a variety of committees 

Pape-Dawson announces the hiring of Jason Johnson, P.E., ENV SP as Vice President, District Services. Mr. Johnson has 28 years of experience in transportation, land development, and municipal utility districts (MUDs). In his new role, Mr. Johnson will focus on serving mature MUDs in the Houston region, providing exceptional client care, and leading the development of capital improvement plans for repairs and expansions needed to support resilient infrastructure for our communities.

WGA welcomes Beau Perry, PE, as the new Central Texas Regional Practice Leader in Austin. Perry will lead project execution and play a pivotal role in advancing WGA’s portfolio in the region, overseeing Public Works and Industrial operations in Central Texas. With over 21 years of experience, Perry brings a wealth of expertise in hands-on planning, engineering design, cost estimating, and project management, serving both public and private sector clients throughout Central Texas.

David Heitzman has joined Corpus Christi, Texas-based Cravey Real Estate Services as a real estate advisor. He brings more than 28 years of experience to his new position.

Heitzman’s track record speaks volumes about his ability to drive revenue, foster profit growth and lead organizational improvement initiatives.

At Cravey Real Estate Services, Heitzman’s strategic vision and leadership style immediately set him apart in the industry. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA from the esteemed New England College of Business, he brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise to the table.

Heitzman’s tenure as President and CEO of Asset Renovation Supply Group exemplifies his exceptional leadership and executive capabilities. His commitment to community involvement, demonstrated by his active participation in various committees, underscores his dedication beyond his professional duties.

The Beck Group has hired Scott Lowe as chief revenue officer in its Dallas office.

Lowe worked at Beck from 1998 to 2005. He left the firm to co-found 5G Studio Collaborative, where he became CEO and led its expansion and growth until 2023.

The Chief Revenue Officer is a new role at Beck. It is designed to maximize and grow the firm’s architectural and design-build services across its nine U.S. and Mexico-based offices.  

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — Construction industry veteran Helena P. Finley has been named Managing Director and Executive Vice President for EMBREY, a vertically integrated real estate investment company based in San Antonio.

“Helena has a strong portfolio of achievement in the construction industry, and her eye for design, attention to detail, and keen understanding of building community experiences are all qualities that fit precisely with EMBREY’s mission,” said Trey Embrey, President and CEO. “We are proud to have Helena join the executive leadership team.”

In her new role, Finley is responsible for leading and conducting oversight for all multifamily residential and commercial buildings in EMBREY’s multistate market portfolio. She will manage projects throughout Texas, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona overseeing more than 760 subcontractors and vendor partners while directing more than 140 construction field and corporate employees.

Before joining EMBREY, Finley was on the founding leadership team of Vero Sade, which develops, builds, and operates Class-A residential real estate. Her portfolio included 29 multifamily and mixed-use construction projects with more than 6,800 units and more than $830 million in value.

Her extensive professional experience includes recruiting top talent and helping to advance careers through training and developmental programs. She is known for conducting highly organized and efficient systems for building, expansive collaboration with and development of stakeholder relationships, and implementing best practices that remain abreast of industry standards and reflect changes in construction regulations.

“EMBREY is a nationally recognized builder and I am honored to lead its construction teams,” said Finley. “I believe we can create strong relationships with our trade partners and achieve great success in business while caring for our people and our planet. EMBREY reflects that philosophy in all it does.”

Finley understands first-hand the importance of bridging the gender gap within construction and prioritizes attracting, fostering and growing talent at EMBREY, to give women, and all personnel, the necessary tools to advance their careers within construction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 11 percent of all construction workers are women.

“Women are widely under-represented within the field of construction,” said Finley. “More and more are choosing construction as a career and I’m inspired to take on a mentorship role at EMBREY, to foster talent development and attract more women to the field.”